Dumbbell Lateral Raise alternatives
The best alternative to the Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the Cable Lateral Raise: the cable keeps tension on the muscle through the whole rep, including the end where free weights go slack.
The Dumbbell Lateral Raise is a lateral raise: lifting the arms out to the sides, the one movement that isolates the side delts. Every swap below keeps that movement and the same main muscle, so it can take the Dumbbell Lateral Raise’s place in your workout with the same sets and reps. They’re grouped by the equipment they need.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise alternatives with dumbbells
Dumbbell Lateral Raise Targeted
Uses the same equipment, so it slots straight into your session, but the movement is different enough to give the muscle a new stimulus.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise alternatives with resistance bands
Band Y-raise
Resistance climbs as the band stretches, so the rep is hardest where you’re strongest, and the band fits in a bag.
Band Front Lateral Raise
A band version for home or travel; choke it shorter to make it harder.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise alternatives on a cable machine
Cable Lateral Raise
The cable keeps tension on the muscle through the whole rep, including the end where free weights go slack.
Cable One Arm Lateral Raise
On the cable stack, so the weight changes in small steps and the tension never drops off. Here, working one side at a time lets you fix imbalances and adds core work to stay square.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise alternatives on a machine
Lever Lateral Raise
The machine sets the path, so you can push close to failure without balancing the weight or needing a spotter.
Lever Lateral Raise Bent
A guided machine version: easy to learn, easy to load, and safe to take to failure.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise alternatives with a barbell
Landmine Lateral Raise
Both hands share one bar, so you can load the most weight and add it in small jumps.
How to swap it in
Use the substitute in the same slot, for the same sets and rep range you used on the Dumbbell Lateral Raise. Start a little lighter for the first session while you learn the new movement, then add weight or reps each week. Stick with one swap for a few weeks so you can see whether you’re getting stronger.
Need the original? How to do the Dumbbell Lateral Raise, step by step →
Questions
What is the best alternative to the Dumbbell Lateral Raise?
The Cable Lateral Raise is the closest swap: it’s the same lateral raise and trains the same shoulder. The cable keeps tension on the muscle through the whole rep, including the end where free weights go slack.
What can I do instead of the Dumbbell Lateral Raise at home?
Band Y-raise, Band Front Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Lateral Raise Targeted all work with a pair of dumbbells or a band and keep the same movement: lifting the arms out to the sides, the one movement that isolates the side delts.
What muscles should a Dumbbell Lateral Raise alternative work?
The Dumbbell Lateral Raise works your delts and traps. A good substitute keeps the movement the same, lifting the arms out to the sides, the one movement that isolates the side delts, so the same muscles do the work even if the equipment changes.
Can I replace the Dumbbell Lateral Raise completely?
Yes. Pick one substitute from the list and give it the same sets and rep range, then add weight or reps week to week the way you would have on the Dumbbell Lateral Raise. Switching back and forth every session makes progress harder to see.
Track Dumbbell Lateral Raise in SPLYT
Dumbbell Lateral Raise is already in SPLYT’s exercise library. Log your sets, reps and weight on iPhone or Apple Watch, with last time’s weights already filled in.